About this project

$29,762

pledged of $27,000 goal

531

backers

We are still accepting pledges in exchange for rewards. The money being raised on Kickstarter is just a portion of what is needed to produce this film, so we could really use your continued contributions. Thank you.

BONUS: all contributors over $30 will receive a Film Postcard in addition to selected reward. Thank you.

What is the project?

In 1976 Danish
Filmmaker Jorgen Leth made the legendary sports and cycling film, A Sunday in Hell, about the Paris Roubaix cycling race. It defined
a genre and helped put the Paris-Roubaix on the global sporting map. Leth now
comments on the race for television.

We plan to follow Leth
as he prepares for and comments on the race. We’ll be with him from his hotel
in Paris until the end of the race at the Roubaix Velodrome. Along the way our
team of photographers and filmmakers will shoot footage of the race, crowds and
Leth himself caught up in the excitement of sport. We’ll capture the intense
effort of contemporary pro racers, and will be sure to include stars from
cycling’s past.

The Commentator will screen all over the world
as part of the Bicycle Film Festival programming.

Why are we making this film?

We all have deep
respect for Jorgen and are great fans of his work. We’ve had the idea for this
film for a while, but have just this year decided to set things in motion to
make it happen.

Everyone on the crew
has their own connection to Jorgen, some have worked with him others are
friends and still others are great admirers of his work.

A Sunday in Hell changed not just the way sports
documentaries are filmed, but the very nature of sports coverage. It
painstakingly documents the sometimes-brutal sport of cycling on one if its
most historic and challenging courses.

Leth essentially
created a blueprint for cycling coverage that lives on to this day.

We take inspiration
from Leth’s work and hope to discover more about the grueling Paris-Roubaix.

What will the contribution be used for?

The $27,000 we’re
asking for is going almost entirely to production. The funds will fly our team
of filmmakers, photographers and technicians to France and cover their
equipment, incidentals and accommodations while filming the race. Any extra
funding will be used for post-production and prize materials associated with
the kick-starter campaign.

Who are we?

We are fortunate to
have assembled an amazing and accomplished crew for this project.

Albert
Maysles: Is an acclaimed, Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker,
and one of the early creators of the “Direct Cinema” movement in documentary
filmmaking. Albert has directed over 40 films and worked as a
cinematographer on countless others. His notable films include; Grey Gardens,
Gimme Shelter and The Salesman. Albert is our cinematographer and will
follow and shoot Jorgen.

Stefan
Ruiz: Is the former creative director for Colors Magazine. Ruiz is an
accomplished commercial and fine art photographer and has photographed everything
from presidents and rock stars to high profile ad campaigns.

Brian
Vernor: Is a photographer and filmmaker who has defined the aesthetic of
contemporary cycling with his films Where
Are You Go? and Cyclocross Meeting.
Vernor shoots for Outside Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, Rapha and his own Makers series.

Patrick
Trefz: Is a filmmaker and photographer known for his commercial work and is
considered one of the most influential photographers and filmmakers in the
surfing world.

Blonde
Redhead: Legendary New York rock band Blonde Redhead will score our film.

Director, Brendt Barbur began the Bicycle Film Festival 12 years ago after being hit by a bus while riding in New York City. Undeterred, he set out to turn a bad experience into a positive one and founded an event that celebrates the bicycle through art, music and film. Since then he's curated art shows, produced films and put on over 150 festivals worldwide. Barbur's efforts have been recognized in profiles and interviews by MTV, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Interview, GQ, Nowness and more.

FAQ

Have a question?
If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

An amazing dinner for you and two of your friends made by and with Simone Pace (Blonde Redhead), Amedeo Pace (Blonde Redhead) and Brendt Barbur (BFF) at the BFF HQ in NYC. Accommodation and transportation additional if not in the NYC-area.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

New York private screening at your home, office or other semi private venues (add equipment venue, rental costs if needed) in New York City. Introduction by director Brendt Barbur. Perfect for the office, cycling club or local bike shop.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $7,500 or more
About $7,500

Anywhere In the world private screening at your home, office or other venues (add equipment, venue, rental costs if needed), Introduction by director Brendt Barbur. Accommodation and transportation for Brendt Barbur are additional.